top of page

Sitter Vs. Nanny

What's the Difference and What One Do I Need?!

Nannies and babysitters both provide childcare services, but there are significant differences in terms of their roles, responsibilities, and the nature of their work:

Nanny:

Long-Term Relationship: Nannies typically provide childcare on a long-term basis, often for several years. They become a consistent and integral part of the family's daily life.

Full-Time or Part-Time: Nannies can work full-time or part-time, depending on the family's needs. Some live with the family, while others have set hours during the day.

Daily Care: Nannies are responsible for the day-to-day care of children. Their duties may include feeding, bathing, dressing, playing, and helping with homework. They may also take on household tasks related to the children, such as meal preparation and light housekeeping.

Child Development: Nannies often have a background in child development and may engage in educational activities and developmental play to support the child's growth.

Consistency: Nannies provide consistency and stability in a child's life. They may continue to care for the child as they grow and reach different developmental stages.

Babysitter:

Short-Term Care: Babysitters typically provide childcare on a short-term or occasional basis. They are often hired for a single evening, a few hours during the day, or for special occasions when parents need temporary childcare.

Part-Time Hours: Babysitters are usually part-time caregivers and do not typically have a long-term commitment to the family. They may have multiple families they work for.

Immediate Care: Babysitters focus on immediate care needs, such as supervising playtime, preparing snacks or meals, ensuring safety, and putting children to bed.

Emergency Situations: Babysitters are often called in for last-minute or emergency situations when parents need someone to watch their children for a short duration.

Limited Household Tasks: While babysitters primarily focus on childcare, they may perform light household tasks related to the child's immediate needs, like cleaning up after meals or playtime.

 

In summary, the main differences revolve around the duration and nature of care. Nannies provide long-term, consistent, and comprehensive care, while babysitters offer short-term, occasional, and immediate care. Both play crucial roles in helping parents meet their childcare needs, but the scope of their responsibilities and the nature of their relationships with families differ.

Which One Is Right For My Family?

Nanny Placement

  1. Part-time or Full-time.

  2. Usually, our nannies make a one-year commitment to their family.

  3. Family sets hourly rate and pays nanny directly.

  4. Family employs the nanny directly (and handles taxes/payroll.)

  5. You work with one experienced career nanny (or other specialist).

  6. Hire a nanny in 2-4 weeks (on average.)

Sitter Service

  1. Full-time, Part-time, As-Needed or On-Call Care.

  2. Your sitters will vary.  You can request the same one but there's no guarantee that they will have availability.  Our sitters choose when they have availability.

  3. You pay an all-inclusive hourly rate to the agency.

  4. Our Agency Employs the Sitter (and handles taxes/payroll.)

  5. Work with a team of excellent, seasoned babysitters/retired professionals.

  6. Can start receiving care in as little as one week.

bottom of page